Sometimes it is all too easy for people to listen to global issues and say to themselves, There’s nothing that I can do about all this. My contribution will not have an impact; it’s too big a task for that.’ Yet Jesus was just one man who came and spread the gospel in three years to a world that was steeped in sin and had lost its way. And look at the impact he has had on millions of people since then.
Climate change will happen the damage has been done, but its devastating effects can be reduced if a large proportion of the world’s population reduces their individual carbon emissions. If each carbon- emitting’ person makes one change in their lives to reduce their output it will make a difference to future generations. Examples might be generating their own energy by using solar roof panels even on their church roofs; turning the heating down by one degree; or switching to a green’ energy supplier; and turning off electrical appliances instead of leaving them on standby.
And what about how people travel? Taking the bus or train, cycling or walking rather than driving the car; reducing air travel wherever possible will all count. But perhaps the key action everyone can take that costs nothing is to raise awareness about climate change and encourage others to do their bit.
As Christians we cannot afford to sit back and ignore what humanity is doing to the created world of which we are all a part. We are but dust and to dust we shall return, but whilst we are here we are committed to protect this world created in love by God.
Climate change what we can do